How to Choose the Right DBT Treatment for You
How to Choose DBT Treatment in Philadelphia
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So you’ve decided you want to learn DBT skills - hooray! You’ve just taken a big step. Making the decision to start learning DBT can feel confusing and overwhelming AND exciting at the same time! You may be considering where to begin in this process. You may be asking yourself: Do I want to join a DBT group? What kind of DBT group would I like to join and what kinds of DBT groups are there? What about individual DBT skills coaching? Maybe I can learn on my own? We are here to help! Below is some information that may help in your decision making process.
DBT Skills Groups
Joining a DBT skills group would be the most traditional means of learning the skills. DBT skills groups are a great choice because they are educational AND offer some individual support. DBT skills groups are like a class where you learn about DBT skills and how to apply them to your life, all within the support of a group.
There are many different types of DBT skills groups out there, including:
Comprehensive DBT skills group
A comprehensive DBT skills group is the most traditional type of DBT group. You can expect to be enrolled in a comprehensive DBT skills group for at least 6 months, if not longer. In fact, many people stay in DBT skills groups for much longer than 6 months (1+ years) for several reasons. First, we like group members to REALLY learn the skills, even OVER-learn them. This is so that over time skills use becomes automatic. But it can take some time and a lot of practice to get there! Also, as time moves on, we encounter different stressors and different life stages. We might stick around in a DBT group so that we can apply and learn the skills in different contexts in our life, strengthening our skills learning.
A comprehensive DBT skills group often is an open or “rolling” group format, meaning that as group members complete going through all the modules, new group members enter the group. In between modules we normally do a couple weeks of mindfulness, and this is when new group members can join. One benefit of a “rolling” group format is that you won’t necessarily have to wait long to start in a DBT skills group because new group members start after the completion of a module. Another benefit of a “rolling” group format is that you can continue in the group even after you finish all of the modules. In contrast, a “closed” group format is usually a set number of sessions and the group members remain the same throughout the duration of the group.
Another benefit of joining a comprehensive DBT group is the use of phone coaching. In a comprehensive DBT group, often you will be able to access one of the therapists throughout the week for DBT skills coaching if you find that you are at a skills breakdown point or if you need a little extra support. The whole point of learning DBT skills is so that you are able to apply the skills outside of therapy, and sometimes we need a little extra support in figuring out how to apply them, which is when phone coaching can be beneficial!
Another unique aspect of joining a comprehensive DBT program is that usually the therapists on staff meet regularly to collaborate on cases, troubleshoot any issues coming up in group, and support each other in using DBT skills. That’s right: therapists who are a part of a comprehensive DBT program use the skills themselves! A collaborative or team approach in many DBT programs can enhance the overall experience of a program because it helps to ensure that the therapists are providing the highest quality care.
Closed, brief DBT skills groups
Aside from a comprehensive DBT program, you may find some practices offer something a little different when it comes to DBT. You may find a “DBT lite” group, which may look like a closed, set number of groups offered at specific times throughout the year. For example, you might find a 14-16 week DBT group that starts and ends with the same group members. These groups may be a bit quicker in pace and may not offer phone coaching. “DBT lite” groups may be a good option if you are looking for something less intensive and shorter in duration, or if you are curious about DBT and are not yet feeling ready to make the commitment that a comprehensive DBT program would require. “DBT lite” groups are also a great option if you have already been through a comprehensive DBT program and are looking for a refresher on your skills.
Individual DBT therapy
Individual DBT therapy or DBT skills coaching can look different depending on the specific program in which you are enrolled, and depending on the therapist you are working with. Some DBT programs require you to meet individually with a DBT-informed therapist at the same time you are enrolled in a DBT group. Some DBT therapists or DBT skills coaches strictly work with you on learning and applying DBT skills in your life, and some DBT therapists or skills coaches are trained in other therapy approaches and can take a more eclectic or nuanced approach in their work with you. It depends on the therapist’s style and what your unique needs and interests are!
Meeting with an individual therapist trained in DBT at the same time as being enrolled in a DBT group can be beneficial for deepening your skills learning. An individual DBT therapist or DBT skills coach can help you apply the DBT skills to your unique circumstances and can help guide you through using the skills in your daily life.
It can also be beneficial to meet with a therapist or coach trained in DBT even if you are not enrolled in a DBT skills group. A DBT trained therapist or coach can teach you DBT skills in session, but you might not get the same level of education about the skills compared to if you were enrolled in a DBT group.